Crosby, Stills & Nash

There were no "newbies" in CSN. Formed in 1968, Stephen Stills came from Buffalo Springfield, the Byrds gave up David Crosby and Graham Nash was a Hollies transplant. The trio had a smooth, folk-rock sound that preached, lamented and promised social activism via Crosby's thought-provoking lyrics and is often the first band to come to mind when the sixties and California are linked in a word-association game. Crosby was the muse whose message was too often clouded by addictions, and the condition of his condition plus the occasional addition of Neil Young, also from Buffalo Springfield, beginning in 1969 led to some of the sweetest ballads, love songs and introspective plaints of the rock era. The first album, Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1969, launched the band into an orbit that rivaled the effect of the Beatles on world music, dress, haircuts and themes. Still playing, the trio, plus the occasional Young, reunites and tours as one of the world's most popular live acts.